Household
DIY Solid Dishwashing Bar
Jul
This concentrated solid dishwashing bar is a long-lasting, plastic-free alternative to bottled dishwashing liquid. It produces a rich lather, effectively removes grease, and is gentle enough for everyday handwashing of dishes. The formulation balances strong cleansing with good hardness and durability.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Weight |
|---|---|
| Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS) | 420 g |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) Powder | 180 g |
| Kaolin Clay | 90 g |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 90 g |
| Stearic Acid | 30 g |
| Vegetable Glycerine | 70 g |
| Distilled Water | 80 g |
| Lemon Essential Oil | 12 g |
| Tea Tree Essential Oil | 10 g |
| Euxyl PE 9010 | 8 g |
Total: 1,000 g
Equipment
- Digital scale
- Mixing bowl
- Heatproof beaker
- Silicone spatula
- Silicone moulds
- Gloves, dust mask and safety glasses
Method
- Wear gloves, eye protection and a dust mask when handling the powdered surfactants.
- Combine the Sodium Coco Sulfate, SCI, kaolin clay and sodium bicarbonate in a large mixing bowl.
- In a heatproof beaker, combine the glycerine, distilled water and stearic acid. Heat gently until the stearic acid has completely melted.
- Allow the liquid mixture to cool to below 40°C.
- Stir in the Euxyl PE 9010, followed by the lemon and tea tree essential oils.
- Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing continuously. The mixture should resemble damp sand and hold together when squeezed. If necessary, lightly mist with a little additional distilled water, but avoid making the mixture wet.
- Firmly press the mixture into silicone moulds, ensuring there are no air pockets.
- Leave the bars in the moulds for 24–48 hours.
- Remove the bars and allow them to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for 5–7 days before packaging.
Directions for Use
Wet a dish brush or sponge and rub it over the bar to create a rich lather. Wash dishes as normal and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Preservative
Euxyl PE 9010: 0.8% (8 g per 1 kg batch)
Although this is a low-water formulation, the preservative helps protect the product from microbial contamination during manufacture and repeated exposure to water during use.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Allow the bar to drain between uses to maximise its lifespan.
Shelf Life
Approximately 12 months when manufactured using good manufacturing practices, packaged only after thorough drying, and stored in a dry environment.
Benefits
- Excellent grease-cutting performance
- Rich, long-lasting foam
- Durable, long-lasting bar
- Plastic-free alternative to bottled dishwashing liquid
- Suitable for everyday household dishwashing
- Can be customised with different essential oils or fragrance oils for a variety of scent options
